Foreign Policy of Queen Elizabeth of England
by When Elizabeth ascended the throne of England the country was at the cross-roads. Many troubles and problems were looming up the horizon and the clouds of internal disquiet and external fears were getting dense.
Elizabeth had to face all these. France, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Pone and others were also creating troubles for her. At this juncture it was absolutely impossible to rule the country without having adequate political sagacity and practical wisdom.
And Elizabeth gave ample proof of it. She rose to the occasion and by ability, administrative acumen, capacity to work and other qualities solved all the problems facing her and her country. She had affection and sympathy for the people in her heart. She sincerely wanted that there should be peace and happiness in the country for that people may become prosperous and make rapid progress.
Early difficulties of Queen Elizabeth:
Elizabeth was determined to eradicate anarchy, suspicion, disorder arid such other prevalent evils from the country. She was equally concerned at the internal as well as external problems. France and Spain was a running sore to her because of religious and other affinities.
There countries were deeming of propagation of Catholicism in England while Elizabeth was encouraging Protestantism. In fact Elizabeth at her heart felt inclined towards Protestantism. As a result the two powers persisted in harassing Elizabeth. The French king had married Marry Queen of Scots and as such he laid claims to the throne of England just as Mary aid.
On the other hard, Mary Tudor, had married Philip of Spain and therefore later thought that he was the real claimant to the English throne. Besides Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
The Pope had considered this marriage as illegal and improper. Thus the claims of Elizabeth on the English throne were neither accepted by the Pope nor by Catholics of England.
These reasons explain why she had a hard time in her opening years of her reign. However, Elizabeth was a shrewd, skilful and competent ruler. She had made a minute study of all the existing problems and had known that she could surmount them only by diplomacy. That she did.
Motives of her foreign policy:
1. To remain aloof from military entanglements:
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